Nicola Adams became Britain’s first female Olympic boxing champion in August, and, in a week when she followed it up with a nomination for the BBC Sports Personality of the Year award, she tells Metro about her ambitions for the future, and why a fear of spiders stopped her entering I’m a Celebrity…

‘I went over to Rio and saw the organisation at work first-hand and it is fantastic just how much they help youngsters at home and abroad stay out of trouble by getting into boxing.’

Is it a project which is close to your heart?

‘Yeah, because for me, it is really good to engage with children and try and get them into sport, and Fight For Peace also educate these kids, too. It’s great.’

You must have loved visiting Rio four years before you hopefully defend your title.

‘Yeah, of course. It’s great – the beaches, the weather, it will be fantastic and the opening ceremony will be like a miniature Rio carnival I’m sure.’

You’re planning to compete at the next Games then?

‘That’s always been my plan. I saw London as just the start, really. I want to go and win the Commonwealth title in Glasgow in 2014 and then become double Olympic champion.’

A lot of your male team-mates have opportunities to turn professional. What’s it like as a female gold medallist?

‘I’ve had people make offers but I’m quite happy representing my country. Boxing at the Olympics and Commonwealth Games is huge for me.’

Did you give it much thought?

‘It was an easy decision. I always aim for the best and for me now that is winning more gold medals and staying at the top of my game. Silver and bronze medals are no good to me.’

What’s next for you?

‘I go to the European Championships next year as reigning champion and then it’s looking towards Glasgow.’

When did you return to the gym?

‘I’ve been back for a few weeks now but there has been a lot of other stuff going on. I’ve been doing talks, TV shows, going to the Mobos. It’s been strange.’

How have you found life in the spotlight?

‘Life completely changed overnight. I’m glad things are starting to calm down now. The gym’s where it all started for me and you can never forget about working hard.’

What’s the strangest thing that’s happened to you?

‘I went back to Leeds and got mobbed in Asda. Now I shop at very odd times of the night!’

How about I’m a Celebrity…?

‘I was asked but no. I’m afraid of spiders!’

Congratulations on your nomination for Sports Personality, how did it feel to make the shortlist?

‘I can’t believe I’m on it alongside such big names like Jessica Ennis and Mo Farah. It’s even better the ceremony will be at the ExCel, where I won my gold.‘

Who would you like to see win it?

‘Jess, for me. She trains in the same place as me in Sheffield and I see how hard she works.’

Nicola Adams was speaking at the Fight for Peace Academy in Woolwich, which uses boxing and education to help young people at risk of crime and violence. Its projects have delivered a £2.5million benefit to the UK over the past 12 months –www.fightforpeace.net